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Lab Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

SEDAA

Lab Technician

Alameda, CA

$20 - $25/hr

POSITION IS SECOND SHIFT WITH HOURS FROM 1:30 PM TO 10 PM. Entry Level Lab Technician in the Complaint Investigations Lab (manager requests newly graduated candidates or individuals with a strong ...

SEDAA

Lab Technician

Alameda, CA

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

POSITION IS SECOND SHIFT WITH HOURS FROM 1:30 PM TO 10 PM. Entry Level Lab Technician in the Complaint Investigations Lab (manager requests newly graduated candidates or individuals with a strong ...

NatureBridge

Lab Steward

Sausalito, CA

$23 - $25/hr

Manage the lab spaces and perform curatorial duties with focus on the Intertidal Lab * Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot lab equipment and marine life support systems (excluding structural building ...

NatureBridge

Lab Steward

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Manage the lab spaces and perform curatorial duties with focus on the Intertidal Lab * Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot lab equipment and marine life support systems (excluding structural building ...

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All JobsLab JobsLab Manager JobsLab Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Lab Manager information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$39.8K

$112.6K

$182.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Berkeley, CA is $112,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,700.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with several years of experience in laboratory settings. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications in safety or specific technical areas can be advantageous.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying roles in a laboratory setting are often senior positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization.

What does a Lab Manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

How much does a lab manager earn?

Lab managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can be higher in specialized fields or larger organizations, and the role often requires strong organizational and technical skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What does a laboratory manager do?

A laboratory manager oversees daily operations in a lab, including managing staff, ensuring safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and coordinating experiments or research activities. They often handle budgeting, compliance with regulations, and may require knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

More about Lab Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Berkeley, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,600 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Lead Technician / SSF R&D Lab Manager

Lightship

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$50 - $57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
Lightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
Honoring Diverse Perspectives
Lightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.
About the Role
As our lab manager, you will be responsible for running a safe, effective, and flexible R&D lab in our South San Francisco facility. This includes managing a small team of technicians, ensuring the lab has all the needed safety gear, equipment, and tools needed to develop the technologies in the most advanced RV on the market. You will also have individual responsibilities to build, troubleshoot, and test hardware and software in the lab from vehicle, power systems, and controls engineering teams.
Responsibilities
  • Manage and mentor a small team of technicians in an R&D lab environment.
  • Fill the role of a site safety lead to ensure safe operation of the lab and the South SF facility. Implement safety protocols, proper training, and precautionary activities to ensure the lab runs safely and smoothly.
  • Work with engineering leadership to set priorities for the lab and the technician team.
  • Create training and usage protocols for the lab to facilitate accessible and functional use for all members of the engineering and design staff.
  • Maintain all tools and equipment in the lab and continue to acquire and install new equipment to increase lab capabilities.
  • Support and coordinate the fabrication and assembly of engineering test assets, vehicle bucks and prototypes including electronics assemblies (wire harnesses, PCBAs, power distribution modules), thermal systems and control modules.
  • Set up and run engineering experiments, including safety tests, characterization tests, field tests, durability tests, and functional tests.
  • Support sales and marketing activities by ensuring marketing vehicles are in functional condition.
  • Maintain test assets (vehicles, bucks, mules and test rigs) and prepare them for testing, evaluation and demonstration. Travel (including occasional weekend travel) will be required at times.
  • Help with troubleshooting and failure analysis of components.
  • Instrument test articles with sensors, such as strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers and aid engineering with data acquisition.
  • Support tests in the field and at outside tracks by towing test vehicles.
  • Occasionally support development vehicle builds and testing in our CO facility.
  • Manage company vehicles and maintenance.
  • Interface with contractors for building and lab upgrades.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a lab manager and/or leading teams of technicians
  • 10+ yrs experience working as a technician in the automotive/EV, cleantech, or aerospace industries
  • Experience with data acquisition systems
  • Experience creating test fixtures and instrumenting test articles with sensors such as accelerometers, thermocouples, electrical sensors, etc
  • Experience creating custom wire harnesses
  • Experience towing trailers
  • Experience with one or more of the following systems is required: batteries, power electronics, power distribution and switchgear, electric motors, gearboxes or solar arrays

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with 5S methodology a plus
  • Experience troubleshooting software, CAN messaging and calibration testing of control algorithms
  • Metal fabrication experience including machining using a knee mill, sheet metal fabrication, and MIG/TIG welding
  • Experience using Deweysoft DAQs
  • Experience soldering and instrumenting circuit boards
  • Forklift operator experience
  • Experience with RVs

Equity
Lightship compensation consists of the stated base pay range plus equity, which gives you a stake in the company.
$50 - $57 an hour
Employee Benefits & Philosophy - Applies to Full Time Employees only
- Healthcare, Dental, Vision
- 401k
- Flexible Paid Time Off - that we actually want you to use!
- 13 Company Holidays: 8 throughout the year + the company observes a week of scheduled downtime during the end of the year, allowing all employees to enjoy a break
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Yearly LightTrip stipend for an RV trip &/or professional development opportunities
Lightship offers all of its full time employees and their dependents full benefits including health, dental and vision insurance. We are on a mission to create a more healthful all-electric experience for a pastime that millions of families enjoy and believe strongly that our team should not have to worry about quality healthcare for themselves or their loved ones along the way.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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